Nebraska Bowling Team Secures Bronze at the Motiv Penguin Classic in Ohio

In their first tournament of the 2023-24 season, the No. 3 Nebraska bowling team showcased a promising start by clinching the third spot at the Motiv Penguin Classic held in Struthers, Ohio. The Huskers registered an 8-5 win-loss record, accumulating a total pinfall of 12,677 with a 195.0 average score across the tournament.

Throughout the weekend, Nebraska consistently held on to the third-place position. Their journey to bronze kicked off against Niagara in a baker five-game match on Sunday morning. The Huskers took advantage of the Eagles’ sluggish start in the first game, scoring 193 against Niagara’s 116. Although Niagara fought back with scores of 203 and 178 in the subsequent games, Nebraska maintained their lead by closing with scores of 190 and 170. The Huskers continued to broaden their lead with a 200-194 win in game four, overcoming a dip to 156 in game five. They sealed the first win of the day with a 201 in the final game, outpacing the Eagles with an aggregate score of 909-892.

The next face-off for the Huskers was against No. 11 Duquesne, reminiscing last season’s NCAA Regionals where Nebraska triumphed with a 2-0 victory. This time, both teams struggled to breach a 200 score in the initial three games. Nebraska managed to stay ahead with scores of 181, 196, and 185 against Duquesne’s 176, 180, and 178. However, a sudden surge from Duquesne in games four and five handed them a 963-944 victory over the Huskers.

In a much-anticipated top-three clash, Nebraska pitted against No. 2 Arkansas State, revisiting last season’s NCAA Championships scenario where the Red Wolves had the upper hand. However, this time around, the Huskers started strong, logging scores of 215, 205, and 189 in the first three games. Though the Red Wolves stayed on their tails with scores of 185, 204, and 158, a decisive 235-208 win in game four by Nebraska created a gap that Arkansas State could not bridge, ending the match at 1058-996 in favor of the Huskers.

Individual performances shone brightly as three Huskers made it to the top 25. Leading the pack was Hartzler, who secured runner-up honors with a remarkable 1,060 total pinfall and a 212.00 average. Martin wasn’t far behind, landing fourth with a 1,046 pinfall and 209.20 average, while Desiree Buchert clinched the 19th spot with a 973 pinfall and a 194.60 average.

The Huskers are now gearing up for their next challenge as they travel to Houston, Texas, for the Track Kat Klash slated from November 3-5, hosted by No. 8 Sam Houston.

In reflection, the Motiv Penguin Classic provided a podium finish and an encouraging outset for the Huskers, as they aim to build on this momentum moving forward in the season.